The Indiana Education Scholarship Account (ESA) Program FAQ with Indiana ESA Executive Director The Indiana Education Scholarship Account (ESA) Program student applications will be available on June 27, 2022. In anticipation of the application launch date, Executive Director of Indiana ESA Jackie Guglielmo and Outreach and Engagement Coordinator Emma Vise sat down to compile frequently asked questions about student eligibility, application process, the differences between the Education Scholarship Account Program and the Choice Scholarship Program, and how families can use the scholarship funds to make education-related purchases. Question: What is the Indiana Education Scholarship Account Program? Jackie: This brand new, state-wide program will provide tax-free scholarship funds directly to Indiana’s students with disabilities who require Special Education. These funds are deposited into an Education Scholarship Account in 4 quarterly disbursements and may be used for education-related expenses. Families will be able to pursue the environment and services that best suit their student’s unique abilities and customize aspects of their child’s educational experience, including what type of educational setting meets their child’s learning needs and who will provide special education services. There is also a wide-ranging list of allowable purchases called “qualified expenses” for which families may use the funds to pay for, like services, therapies, and tutoring. Question: Is this program only for students with disabilities? Jackie: Yes. The Indiana ESA is available for Hoosier students with disabilities, between 5 and 22 years old, who meet an income requirement. Question: What is the income requirement for the program? Jackie: Annual family income cannot exceed 300% of the federal free and reduced lunch income requirement. For example, a family of four cannot make more than $154,012.50 per year. There is a graphic on our website that provides income information for up to a family of 10. Question: Is the program only for private school students? Jackie: Students may be coming from a variety of placements. They may have been educated at home, just coming of school
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age, been enrolled in a public school or public charter school, or may already be in a non-public school. However, once the student accepts their ESA, they must disenroll from the public school or public charter school and pursue educational services elsewhere. It is also important to note that in order to use their ESA to pay for tuition and fees at their school of choice, the non-public school must apply and be approved to participate in the ESA program. Question: Are there similarities between the Choice Scholarship Program and ESA? Jackie: Yes. It is important to note here that a student may not use the Choice Scholarship and an ESA at the same time. The special education track of the Choice Scholarship Program and the ESA have similar eligibility requirements. Students who apply to either program would need to prove state residency, meet an income requirement of 300% of the free and reduced lunch income requirement, and fall between 5 and 22 years old. Eligible students have a disability, require special education, and have had an Individualized Education Program or Service Plan developed. Question: How is the Choice Scholarship program different from the ESA? Jackie: The application process is different. If a family wants to participate in the Choice Scholarship Program, they work with their chosen state-accredited, non-public school to apply and submit all required documentation to that school. Families who apply for an ESA will do so through our secure online portal and will upload documents directly for review by our team. The Choice Scholarship Program has two application windows. At this time, the Education Scholarship Account Program has one application window that opens on June 27, 2022, and closes on August 5, 2022.
